Russia’s nuclear power plant proposal could cover Armenia’s needs for a century: Russian foreign ministry

Mikhail Kalugin, director of the Fourth CIS Countries Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with TASS that the Russian side has proposed a large-capacity nuclear power plant project to Armenia that could cover the republic’s energy needs for “a century to come.”

“Rosatom had offered Armenia a large-capacity plant project that, should the Armenian leadership be willing, would cover the country’s energy needs for decades, if not a century ahead. It would also ensure low electricity tariffs for end consumers, which, among other things, would significantly boost the country’s industrial growth,” the diplomat stressed.

He drew attention to the fact that Russia is a global leader in nuclear technology and can always share its expertise and experience with Armenia in the energy sector, which is of critical importance to the republic. The Russian side is also prepared to share technologies in the field of digitalization. “Today our country is one of only three states in the world possessing the most advanced solutions in this area,” Kalugin noted. According to him, foreigners take note of Russia’s advanced internet banking as well as its “achievements in digitalizing public services and healthcare.”

“And these are just some examples of what the ‘Russian proposal’ entails,” said Kalugin, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry department. Speaking about the future of bilateral relations, he added that Moscow is focused on mutually enriching cooperation with Yerevan.

“This is precisely the model embedded in the integration frameworks our countries share, the EAEU, the CIS, and the CSTO. We have always engaged with Armenia as equals, never imposing a cultural code or demanding any compromise of identity or historically significant symbols. We value and respect the connection of diaspora Armenians with their homeland,” Kalugin concluded.